Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Love it but not reliable so far - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By MichaelG - October 23 - 9:06 pm

  We have 20K miles on our 2005. We love the car but it has been in the shop several times. It does have a transmission hesitation but is only an issue in rush hour. Currently, it is in the shop for another month awaiting a new steering assembly.

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  My spankin new Toyota - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By ame - October 23 - 7:36 pm

  I just got my car yesterday! It is fun to drive. I fit perfectly at 51" my husband is 63" he is a snug fit (driver), but he felt it would work. The back seat is roomy and lots of head room. It handles well with good acceleration, though the pedal is a bit touchy. We would have liked to get the back seat air bags, but could not find them. Car sets higher than my chevy car-lumina, so it is easy to get in and out of. Overall, good smaller car.

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  Its a marvel! - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Loving my car - October 23 - 1:10 pm

  This car is so impressive to everyone that had a good look at my new car! Its a smooth ride all the way. Even when it is in park with the engine still running you cannot hear the noise. The stereo sounds is just so great. Everything about the Solara is awesome.

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  05 Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By djwtarheel - October 23 - 10:43 am

  I was looking for a reliable, comfortable truck that I could use as a daily driver in the city as well as for the "typical" uses for a truck. I have a dbl cab V6 A/T SB 4x2- TRD sport package and the ride is smooth and much less jarring than most other trucks Ive driven. The engine is powerful and smooth, but a bit noisier than I expected. Gas mileage is a bit above average for other trucks in this class. The interior fit and finish is great, and it is nicely laid out and very functional. Sport seats are extremely comfortable and the back seat has plenty of room for passengers to ride along for more than just a quick outing like many of the competitors.

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  to know how to sell the best price - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By mary - October 23 - 9:56 am

  25 years exprince exclent

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  Very Happy - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By laubacrc - October 23 - 4:56 am

  I researched for months and came down to the Camry, Accord, and Altima. I was on a tight schedule and felt when the time came I would just buy the best car available on the given day. The Camry happended to be the best deal. I couldnt be happier. Much better pick-up than expected from a 4-cyl. Excellent gas mileage (34 mpg highway), and it drives so smoothly its a pure pleasure. I bought the car with 25,000 miles on it, and I look forward to driving it for years. I get a lot of comments about the very smart purchase I made.

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  Great Fun! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By KAS - October 22 - 10:03 pm

  Ive previously owned two Jeeps and then saw this vehicle and had to have it. Ive just picked it up this week and absolutely love it. Its fun to drive and has a great style to it. I think its very comfortable. I was a little worried because Im a small woman but it easily works for me! Im having a blast!

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  Expensive price and not satisfied - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Edgar - October 22 - 7:50 pm

  Purchased new in 2002. 56,000 miles today. The Good. Leather seats ergonomic with great back support. Removable seats. Great handling. No major engine problems The Bad. Wimpy 2.0 engine. Interior started rattling soon after purchase and was never properly fixed. Dealership (not toyota) recalled and reprogrammed the ECM (computer) for tranny but experiencing no problems as of today. Forums on RAV Transmission computer problems are scary. Thermostat needed replacement. Side crash tests do not inspire confidence. Rear suspension noise and corrosion of AWD system makes alignment nightmare. My 1995 Chevy Lumina feels it is of a higher quality and that should tell you something.

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  Leg cramps from uncomfortable seats - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Steve - October 22 - 5:40 pm

  I really cant wait to get rid of this car. Its nothing like my old 4runner. Drivers seating position is so uncomfortable I have constant leg cramps. I tried spacers under seat legs, extra spring on gas pedal, lumbar pillow, seat cushion, none worked. I have to drive for now but this is the last toyota for me. That is saying a lot from a guy that had 4 so far but this one is not my favorite. Really dont like silly side-swinging rear door. Dash rattles. It struggles to get the rated MPGs. Transfer case whines a bit a certain speeds. I am just plain unsatisfied.

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  Lovin the FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ Drewski - October 22 - 9:30 am

  Fun vehicle to drive. Great in the snow and mountains. Plenty of room for 4 people and full ski gear. Makes a great road trip car despite 20 mpg.